Adding Ethnic Pieces to a Western Silhouette

Ideas for Mixing and Matching Indo-Western Style

Tom Ford experiments with bright ethnic hues

Big names of the fashion world have always drawn inspiration from ethnic tradition. From ikat prints, Indie-boho skirts and Palestinian print scarves hitting mainstream fashion, the mix and match of the exotic has helped lend a personalized touch to an otherwise ordinary wardrobe.

 

Here are some ideas on how to mix and match East and West without looking overwhelmingly ethnic. The trick is to keep a balance and let one key piece shine through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Invest in ethnic jewelry 

Take cues from Bollywood leading ladies and wear an ethnic statement necklace with a monotone Western outfit

Turquoise on silver has always been a winning combination, and look great with denims

Anklets add an exotic yet feminine vibe to any outfit

There's a huge variety of ethnic inspired earrings you can wear to accentuate a simple outfit

 

If you've been following my posts, you already know about my obsession for ethnic jewelry. I wear my Hamsa pieces with everything from denims to formal office attire, and my Hurrem pendant gives just the right amount of ethnic bling to an otherwise boring outfit.

 

2) Throw on an Ethnic Print Scarf

 

Like a statement necklace, an ethnic print scarf can bring an outfit to life. Choose scarves with interesting tribal prints and clashing colors. A great beauty tip is to keep pretty colors near your face, they add a glow to your features!

 

Without this gorgeous fringed Mexican scarf, Keira Knightly's outfit is pretty ordinary





3) Wear Kurtis and Kaftans

 

A beautiful Indian kurti or a roomy Arabesque kaftan hides a multitude of sins, is ultra feminine, and super-duper comfy to boot. Pair them with your favorite skinny jeans or fitted capris and looks absolutely boho-chic.

 

This still from the Bollywood flick 'Band Baja Baraat' showcases Anuska Sharma in the casual kurti-jeans combo

 

 

 

Kareena Kapoor shows us how to take the kurti to evening wear with black jeggings and wedge-heels





Fergie rocks this gorgeous flower print kaftan from Gucci by pairing it with boots and a gorgeous Ed Hardy bag 

4) Ethnic Bottoms: Gypsy Skirts & Harem Pants
Choose bright colors and ethnic, tribal prints. Pair with a simple monotone top that doesn't take attention away from all the drama.

5) Add an Ethnic Waistcoat

 

 

 

 

6) Slip into an Ethnic Pair of Shoes

 

Indian juttis, morjas and kolhapuris will look great with your favorite pair of jeans!

 

 

 

 

 



- Big Sis.